Continental Karate Stars Shine as More Titles Are Decided at 2026 PKF Senior & U21 Championships

The second day of the 2026 PKF Senior & U21 Championships delivered high-level action in Rio de Janeiro-Macaé, Brazil, as new continental champions were crowned in senior and U21 divisions. Athletes from across the Americas showcased the growth and depth of karate in the continent in a day filled with close finals, breakthrough victories and dominant performances.

Male Kata – Ariel Torres Gutierrez (United States)

Ariel Torres Gutierrez of the United States added another major title to his historic career after defeating compatriot Rey Chinen 5-0 in the final of Male Kata. Torres secured his seventh continental title and extended his remarkable streak with a sixth consecutive gold medal at the championships.

Male Kumite -60kg – Janco Dorta (United States)

Janco Dorta claimed the first continental title of his career after overcoming Wilmermanuel Perezmartinez of Venezuela 4-2 in the Male Kumite -60kg final. Competing in only his second appearance at the event, the American athlete completed an impressive run to the gold medal.

Female Kumite -50kg – Katia Salcido (Mexico)

Katia Salcido of Mexico captured the continental crown in Female Kumite -50kg with a convincing 7-1 victory over Lili Alvarado of Ecuador. After previously winning two bronze medals at the continental level, Salcido reached the top of the podium for the first time.

Female Kumite -55kg – Thalia Terrero Alcantara (Dominican Republic)

Thalia Terrero Alcantara of the Dominican Republic won the gold medal in Female Kumite -55kg after edging Maria Ouyahia of Canada 5-4 in one of the closest finals of the day. In her first continental final in senior competition, Terrero Alcantara secured the biggest result of her career.

Female Kumite -61kg – Lily-Rose Nolet (Canada)

Canada’s Lily-Rose Nolet became continental champion in Female Kumite -61kg after defeating Penelope Polanco of the Dominican Republic in the final. Nolet earned her first Pan American title, improving on previous international results that included a silver medal at the 2022 Karate One Series A Cairo.

U21 Female Kata – Gabrielle Henrique (Brazil)

Brazil celebrated gold in U21 Female Kata as Gabrielle Henrique defeated her sister Yasmin Henrique in an all-Brazilian final. Competing in front of the home crowd, Gabrielle delivered a strong performance to secure the continental title.

U21 Male Team Kata – Brazil

Brazil claimed the gold medal in U21 Male Team Kata after beating Canada in the final. The Brazilian team impressed throughout the competition and gave the host nation another title on home soil.

U21 Male Kumite -75kg – Gabriel Tavares (Brazil)

Gabriel Tavares won the continental crown in U21 Male Kumite -75kg after defeating fellow Brazilian Carlos Faria in the final. The home nation secured both spots in the gold medal match in a dominant display in the category.

U21 Male Kumite -84kg – Tomas Dotta (Uruguay)

Uruguay celebrated one of the standout victories of the day as Tomas Dotta defeated Omar Almishri of Canada to become the new U21 Male Kumite -84kg champion. Dotta showed composure throughout the final to earn the gold medal.

U21 Male Kumite +84kg – Kristian Taneski (United States)

Kristian Taneski of the United States captured gold in U21 Male Kumite +84kg after beating Ilya Makarov of Canada in the final. Taneski closed the day with a confident performance to secure the continental title.

U21 Female Kumite -68kg – Amy Lopez (Ecuador)

Amy Lopez gave Ecuador another medal-winning performance after defeating Ana Kelly Moura of Brazil in the final of U21 Female Kumite -68kg. Lopez controlled the decisive moments of the match to take the gold medal.

U21 Female Kumite +68kg – Amanda Moreno (Costa Rica)

Amanda Moreno of Costa Rica became the continental champion in U21 Female Kumite +68kg after overcoming Franchesca Munoz Tapia of Chile in the final. Moreno produced one of the best performances of her career to secure the title.

U21 Male Team Kumite – Brazil

Brazil closed the day with another gold medal after defeating Canada in the final of the U21 Male Team Kumite. Backed by the local fans, the Brazilian squad finished the competition with a strong team performance and added another continental crown for the host country.

The 2026 PKF Senior & U21 Championships continue on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro-Macaé with the final day of action.

2026 PKF SENIOR & U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Pictures: Jonathan da Rocha / CBK)